Iris 'Lion King'
Best statement perennial for gardeners seeking deer-resistant, pollinator-friendly summer color.
The 'Lion King' Japanese Iris is an award-winning perennial, recognized by the prestigious Payne Medal. It produces colossal, fully double flowers, measuring 7 to 8 inches across, featuring a white throat, yellow signal, and ruffled petals edged in grape-purple. Blooming in early summer atop statuesque stems, this beardless iris features narrow, grass-like foliage. It is highly attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies and makes an elegant addition to summer bouquets. This clump-forming plant spreads annually, thriving in moist to wet, slightly acidic soil in full sun to partial shade, and is resilient to deer.
$18.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-31%
Below average
SKU
31565
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a dramatic, high-impact focal point
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, reliable perennials
- Landscapers prioritizing large, showy floral displays
Who should skip it
- Gardeners unwilling to monitor for pests and rhizome damage
- Minimalists preferring plants that require no post-bloom cleanup
- Owners of shaded gardens lacking consistent direct sunlight
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Colossal eight-inch double blooms create an undeniable focal point in gardens.
Pollinator Appeal
Highly effective at drawing bees and butterflies to your landscape.
Pest Resilience
Reliable defense against deer and rabbits keeps maintenance stress low.
Soil Adaptability
Thrives across diverse soil types from sandy loam to heavy clay.
Growth Habit
Clump-forming nature ensures steady, predictable expansion throughout the growing season.
Hardiness Range
Robust performance across zones four through nine offers excellent regional versatility.
Key Specs
SKU
31565
Genus
Iris
Species
ensata
Item Form
Bareroot
Hardiness Zones
4 - 9
Mature Height
4 Feet
Mature Width
2.33 Feet
Bloom Time
Early Summer
Features
- Award Winner (Payne Medal 2003)
- Features colossal, fully double blooms up to 8 inches wide
- Attracts pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Blooms on tall, statuesque stems
- Clump-forming and rhizomatous perennial that multiplies annually
- Resistant to deer and rabbits
- Suitable for use in beds, borders, and containers
- Tolerates clay, normal, loamy, and sandy soil types
What customers say
Customers consistently celebrate the exceptional quality of the 'Lion King' rhizomes upon arrival, noting they are robust and ready for planting. The primary delight, however, is the stunning visual design. Reviewers frequently mention the vibrant, true to catalog colors and the impressive size of the blooms, confirming this variety delivers a dramatic, regal presence in the garden. Reliability in establishing quickly and returning year after year is a major positive, making it a highly valued addition.
Know before you buy
This iris thrives in moist to wet, slightly acidic soil. It is quite versatile regarding soil texture and will grow well in clay, loam, or sandy conditions.
Since this plant reaches a mature width of approximately 2.33 feet, you should space them at least 2 to 3 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and the plant's natural clumping habit.
The 'Lion King' is hardy in zones 4 through 9. It is a resilient perennial that can withstand a wide range of climates across these zones.
While it performs best in full sun, it can also tolerate partial shade. Keep in mind that more sun generally encourages more prolific blooming.
Yes, this iris is known for being resistant to both deer and rabbits, making it a reliable choice for gardens where these animals are frequent visitors.
After the blooms fade, you can trim the spent flower stalks to keep the plant tidy. The narrow, grass-like foliage remains attractive throughout the rest of the season, so you can leave it until it dies back naturally in the fall.
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